Nezbeda News 

Welcome to Nezebda News! I am Jakob Nezbeda, I'm an elementary teacher at RockRidge Elementary who has been in the educational field since 2000, and teaching in the classroom since 2007. In my teaching career, I have taught Second grade through Fifth Grade, with a majority being Fourth, and have served multiple roles within the education system on my campus. I have been on the Building Leadership Team, The Yearbook Club, the president of student council, member of the Data Analysis Team, and am often the one to test pilot a curriculum  or piece of technology in my building. As I have continued to adapt to the education and  rigor that's put on our students and families, I continue to perfect the craft of teaching. The yearly challenges, the growth, and the success stories, make my career an absolute blessing. As I often tell my friends, I go to work because I want to, and I leave because I have to. 

Some favorites of mine are Basketball, volleyball, gym, rock climbing, 14ers, skiing and church. I like energy drinks and  Powerades (Grape). Snacks I enjoy Beef Jerky, Wasabi Almonds, BBQ chips, and Fuji apples. Some stores I shop at are Amazon, REI, Walmart and Murdocks. Restaurant chains you can find me at are Arby's, Subway, Papa Murphy's, and Red Robin! 

A few brief facts about myself, is that I'm an immigrant from the Czech Republic. I was 10 years old when we arrived in America, after escaping his refugees. So I went through the American education system as an English language learner. I also got married March 15, 2025,  and we are both heavily involved in our church, we can't wait to bless a little one into our family of Christ. We live in Colorado, and we enjoy all the outdoors that it has to offer. Sadly, this summer I had an accident on the Mt. Lindsay that required several surgeries and physical rehab.  You'll see me in a hinge brace on my right arm until atleast after Labor Day. 

As for my philosophy on education, I will keep it short and brief. The goal of a teacher is to be a facilitator, not a dictator. To guide students into exploration, collaboration, and to develop opportunities that students take ownership of their own learning. It's to discipline, coach desired behaviors, rather than to punish, and expect conformity. Education is about best practices for student learning, not the most convenient practices for the teacher. And as our world has continued to evolve, we are being asked to put more on our plates than ever before. Future burnout is a real thing, if so, you must find time to stay current on trends, adopt initiatives with evidence and optimism, my time for mental health.